How to Get Rid of Mites on Tomatoes

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Tiny spider mites are difficult to see with the naked eye, but the pests cause serious problems when they suck the juices from a tomato plant (Lycopersicon esculentum). An infested tomato plant displays tiny spots on the leaves. If left untreated, the pests spin cottony webs on the foliage; eventually, the leaves turn brown or yellow and drop from the plant. Keep tomato plants properly watered and fertilized because healthy plants are resistant to damage by mites and other pests.

1

Water tomato plants regularly and don't allow the soil to become bone dry. Water the surrounding area because mites thrive in hot, dry, dusty conditions.

2

Direct a strong stream of water at the affected leaves as soon as you notice evidence of mites on the leaves and then repeat at least twice every week. Often, the water dislodges the mites and prevents a heavy infestation.

3

Remove webs from tomato leaves with a damp cloth. Eliminating the webs removes the protective cover and prevents mites from laying eggs.

4

Avoid the use of pesticides, which kills lady beetles and other beneficial predators that effectively keep mites under control. Pesticides often make the problem worse because mites, which multiply rapidly, soon become immune to the toxic chemicals. Without beneficial insects, the mites multiply without restriction.

5

Spray tomato plants with horticultural oil, which smothers the mites. Apply oil only when beneficial insects aren't present on the plant and don't spray on breezy days when the oil may drift and kill beneficial insects. Mix the oil at a rate of 2.5 to 5 tablespoons per 1 gallon of water, depending on the severity of the problem. Reapply the spray after 30 days.

6

Apply insecticidal soap spray as an alternative to horticultural oil. Use a premixed commercial product because homemade sprays are often too harsh and may damage the tomato plant. If using concentrate, mix the solution at a rate of 1 to 4 teaspoons per one pint of water. Spray tomato plants every four to seven days, as insecticidal soap kills only on contact and has no residual effect. Don't spray when the sun shines directly on the foliage.

7

Remove seriously infected tomato plants and start fresh with new, pest-resistant plants. Dispose of infested plants and never place the plants on the compost piles.

About the Author

M.H. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing.

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Dyer, M.H.. "How to Get Rid of Mites on Tomatoes." Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/rid-mites-tomatoes-83020.html. Accessed 20 March 2019.

Dyer, M.H.. (n.d.). How to Get Rid of Mites on Tomatoes. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/rid-mites-tomatoes-83020.html

Dyer, M.H.. "How to Get Rid of Mites on Tomatoes" accessed March 20, 2019. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/rid-mites-tomatoes-83020.html

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